In a heartfelt show of solidarity, 24 restaurants, coffee shops, and dessert establishments across the Greater New Orleans area are joining forces for Bite Back for Palestine Week, an eight-day campaign aimed at raising awareness and funds for children impacted by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Organized by Palestinian Youth Movement New Orleans (PYM NOLA), the initiative will run from Thursday, December 5, through Thursday, December 12.
Participating businesses will contribute a portion of their proceeds on designated donation days to PYM NOLA’s fundraiser for the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA). MECA’s mission focuses on improving the physical and mental well-being of children in the Middle East, particularly those affected by the year-long siege on Gaza.
A Culinary Movement for Social Justice
Restaurants and cafes such as Hey Café, Hey Coffee, Mona’s Café, Thai Nola, Espiritu, and the acclaimed Turkey & the Wolf are among the many establishments rallying behind this cause. A full list of participants, alongside an interactive map and culinary calendar, is available on PYM NOLA’s website to guide foodies and philanthropists alike.
“Bite Back is meant to bring together two things that New Orleanians are already passionate about: supporting people in need and enjoying local cuisine,” said a representative from PYM NOLA. “It also highlights businesses that align with values of social justice and human equality. We hope this effort will inspire locals to support these businesses during the campaign and beyond.”
Supporting Children in Crisis
Funds raised during Bite Back for Palestine Week will contribute to MECA’s ongoing humanitarian efforts, including providing food, clean water, medical aid, psychological support, and children’s programming in Gaza. Since its founding in 1988, MECA has delivered over $31 million in aid to Palestine, Iraq, and Lebanon.
The initiative is part of “The People Stand with Gaza”, an international fundraising campaign led by PYM chapters worldwide, with a collective goal of raising over $1 million.
About the Organizers
The Palestinian Youth Movement is a grassroots collective of young Palestinians across the globe, united in their fight for justice and the rights of the Palestinian people in the face of ongoing colonization and occupation.
MECA, the campaign’s beneficiary, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to securing the rights and well-being of children in the Middle East. Their work spans decades, providing critical aid and support to communities in crisis.
How to Get Involved
Locals are encouraged to visit participating restaurants during their designated donation days to contribute to this cause. By dining out, residents can enjoy the delicious culinary offerings of New Orleans while supporting a campaign that aims to provide hope and relief to children in Gaza.
New Orleans proves once again that food and community can come together to make a difference, and Bite Back for Palestine Week is a testament to the city’s unwavering spirit of generosity and justice.
